World Museum – Only a Game?

Only a Game? – UEFA Football Exhibition. 11 October 2008 – 26 April 2009An interactive exhibition for the whole family, inviting visitors to plunge into the emotions of football inspired by a selection of prestigious artefacts, trophies and memorabilia from over 50 years of European football. In collaboration with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), National Football Museum and National Museums Liverpool, the UEFA exhibition is making its only UK appearance in Liverpool; European Capital of Culture and arguably one of Europe’s great capitals of football.

All four of UEFA’s most prestigious trophies will be on display during the opening month of the exhibition representing a very rare occasion when the UEFA European Championship (EURO) and UEFA Champions League trophies will appear alongside the UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the same place at the same time.

Memorabilia from the National Football Museum will be featured in the exhibition, including shirts, medals and trophies from great European players such as George Best, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Moore and Petr Cech, and visitors can also discover the city’s own dramatic role in European football with special items on display from the Everton Collection and the Liverpool FC Museum.

Michel Platini, President of UEFA and three times European Footballer of the Year, said: “I am delighted that UEFA is bringing this exciting exhibition to Liverpool during its Capital of Culture celebrations, a city that loves its football and plays such a big role in Europe’s fascination with the game.”

Only a Game? ends with a question mark, encouraging the visitor to reflect on the social and cultural aspects of modern football and ask themselves questions concerning aspects such as the solidarity, success, participation, celebration, racism and integration associated with the game, and the emotions it triggers.

Lilian Thuram, official patron of the exhibition and winner of both the World Cup and European Championship with France, said: “Football brings people together across Europe. It speaks a simple language that everyone understands. Only a Game? shines a light on all the actors that play a role: fans, school kids, amateurs, as well as the professional players.”

Liverpool player Steven Gerrard said: “There is no city in Europe where football means more than it does to the people of Liverpool. So I think it is great that we are having a European football exhibition as part of Liverpool 08.”